mackenzie



(No Model.) I 3 Sheets-Sheet 1.

J. U. MACKENZIE. ELECTRICAL SIGNALING APPARATUS. N0.,304,209. PatentedAug. 26, 1884.-

ill'iElEiiilliif I ASTI INVENTORI (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. U. MACKENZIE.

ELECTRICAL SIGNALING APPARATUS. No. 304,209. Patented Aug. 26, 1884.

mama

ATTE 'I': INVENTOR.

3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

(No Model.)

- -J. U. MACKENZIE.

ELECTRICAL SIGNALING APPARATUS.

Patented Aug. 26, 1884.

JAMES U. i/TAOKENZIE, OF NEV YORK, N. Y.

ELECTRICAL SIGNALING APPARATUS.

.i-BPECIPICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 304,209, datedAugust 26, 1884.

Application filed October 9, 1883. (No model.) Patented in England April11, 1883, No. 1,829.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES U. MAOKENZIE, of New York city, in the countyand State of New-York, have invented a certain new and 1 usefulImprovement in Electrical Signaling Apparatus, of which the following isa specification.

The object I have in view is to produce meams for transmitting signalselectrically which will be simple, compact, and durable in constructionand reliable in operation.

In carrying out my invention I provide the signal-box with two or morerevolving spindles or contact carriers arranged side by side and not inline with each other. Each spindle is provided with a number ofprojecting conltacts. The contacts for each spindle are disks or ringscut away more or less on their edges, which are arranged on concavelines to form a series of concave signaling-surfaces, andpresent more orless contacts in the circular path of a moving contactspring, accordingto the adjustment of the spindle; or these contacts may be in a singlepiece properly formed and secured upon and forming part of the spindle,as shown in another application for patent of even date herewith. Foreach con tact-spindle of the box there is a charactercylinder turningtherewith and mounted di- 0 rectly upon the contact-spindle, or operatedtherefrom through cog-wheels or otherwise, the latter construction beingshown in the application before referred to. The charactercylinderscarry numbers, letters, words, or char- 3 5 acters of any desired kind,each being a distinct signal or service, and all forming a code; or thecharacter-cylinders may represent units, tens, hundreds, &c. Eachcylinder is placed opposite an opening in the inclosing case, throughwhich one character or word only can be-seen. The contact-spindlesproject through the case, and are provided with milled heads, by whichthey are turned; or, where the charactor-cylinders are on separatespindles connected with the contact-spindles, the character-cylinderspindles may be provided with the milled heads for adjusting the parts.Upon each contact-spindle, preferably within the case, is secured atoothed wheel, with which engages a tooth on a spring. This springregulates the movement of the spindle, and may turned in eitherdirection. There is provided in connection with each spindle a concavecircuit closing or opening block arranged in the path of the movingcontact-spring and mount ed upon an insulating-support. This block isarranged in the path of the moving contactspring after or before thecontacts carried by the spindle. It is used to begin or finish alternatesignals by a prolonged closure or opening of the circuit. It is broughtinto circuit by being connected with the spindle. This is done by meansof a spring engaging with the teeth of a wheel on the spindle foralternate signals, and resting clear of such wheel, between the teeth ofthe same, for the other signals. The box is provided with as manycontact-springs as there are contact-spindles, the contacts of eachspindle having a separate contact-spring working upon them. The box hasa shaft arranged at right angles to the contactspindles, and carryingthe contact -springs, which shaft is given one revolution at eachoperation of a clock-train. The train is prevented from movement by theengagement of the operating handle or sector with a stop. The operatingsector or wheel is moved by a handle, as usual, and winds up the springto the same extent that it runs down at each operation. The shaftoperated by the train carries two or more rigid arms havingcontact-springs traveling over the spindle-contacts. Each of thesesprings is secured to the arm, and bent forward awa r from the arm andthen backward across the end of the arm, its end being bent outwardly toform a contact-point. On the end of the arm is a screw, which passesloosely through the spring, but catches the spring under its head. Thisscrew guides the springcontact, preventing its movement, exceptlaterally toward and away from the contact-spindle, andby turning thescrew the'spring-contact can be properly adjusted to the stationmycontacts. The revolving contact-arms are arranged on the shaft atdifferent points of a circle, so that they will operate in succession orprogressively, one contact-spring leaving the last contact before thenext spring is brought into operation. One binding-post, as has alreadybeen intimated, is connected with the contact-spindles. The otherbinding-post is connected with the contact-arms through. the metallicbase or frame.

As so far described, the box is adapted for transmitting variablesignals only. For many purposes it is also desirable that it shouldtransmit a fixed signal at each operation, indicating the number of thebox or station, or other signal,to designate the point from which thesignal is sent. For this purpose a stationary segment is mounted upon aninsulating-support and connected by a strip or wire with the samebinding-post that the contactspindles are connected with. This segmentis cut with properteeth or spaces to give the fixed signal, and it maybe arranged to be brought into operation before or after the spindlecontacts. This fixed segment may be arranged in the path of acontact-spring which acts upon the contacts of a spindle; or a separatecontactarm and spring may be em-' ployed for the segment. The box willbe argdlh'anged to send the fixed signal with each of the variable orcode signals, and it may also be arranged for sending the fixed signalalone, which can be one of the signals of the code. This can be done bycutting away all the spindlecontacts on one line, so that when thespindles are adjusted to a certain position none of the spindle-contactswill be touched by the moving spring-contacts.

The features of novelty of my signal-box are applicable, it will beseen, to boxes working with the circuit either closed or open nor mally,to boxes transmitting any one of a number of signals forming a code, aswell as to boxes transmitting a fixed signal alone, or in addition toany one of a code of signals.

The character of receiving apparatus will depend upon the use to whichthe signal-box is put. It may be employed with any suitable apparatusfor receiving signals electri cally, such as with a chemical orembossing register, or with an electrical visual iudicator, with orwithout a bell-connection, as desired.

The uses to which the signal-box can be put are numerous. It can beemployed for all systems of code telegraphy, private-line systems, bellsignaling systems, telephone-calls, fire-telegraphs, districttelegraphy, policesignaling, hotel-annunciators, &c.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof, Figure l is anexternal view of a signa1-box embodying my invention in part; Fig. 2, afront elevation of the mechanism, the inclosing-box being in dottedlines; Figs. 3 and 4., elevations of the mechanism from the sides 5 Fig.5, a top view of one of the circuitr-losing blocks, showing theconnection with its contact-spindle; Fig. 6, a sectional view showingthe spring for regulating the movement of each contact-spindle. Fig. 7is a front elevation of the mechanism of a signal-box embodying all thefeatures of my invention; Fig. 8. a vertical section showing onecontact-spindle, and Fig. 9 a vertical section showing the segment fortransmitting a fixed signal.

Like letters denote corresponding parts in all the figures.

WVith reference more especially to Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, A is thecase of the box, having the openings shown, through which the signal forwhich the box is set may be seen.

B 1-3 B are contact-spindles arranged side by side, parallel with eachother, within the box. These spindles project through the box, and areprovided with milled heads a, by which they are adjusted.

O G C are the character-cylinders, which are shown as carried by thecontact-spindles. These cylinders are inclosed within the case A, andcarry the numbers or other characters of which the variable signals arecomposed. Each spindle carries a number of contacts, b, which arearranged so that the adjustment of the spindles axially will bring moreor less of them into the path of a moving contact-arm; and, since thecontact-arm describes a circle, the contacts are formed on the samecircle, pre senting a series of concave signaling-surfaces. Eachcontact-spindle also has a toothed wheel, 0, with which engages atoothed spring, 0. The wheel 0 has a notch for each adjustment of thespindle, and these notches and the toothed spring are preferablyconstructed, as shown in Fig. 6, so that the spindle can be turned ineither direction. The contact-spindles are mounted ininsulating-supports, and are connected with the binding post or screw Dby the springs c, which are connected by a strip or wire, 0*, running tosuch bindingpost. The wheels 0 and springs c not only regulate anddetermine the adjustment of the contactspindles, but by their frictionalcontact keep good the electrical connection of the spindles with thebinding-post D. Extra springs, 0, bearing on the plain stems of thespindles, may also be employed to improve the connection.

In the path of each contact-arm is a block, E, for producing a prolongedclosure of the circuit for alternate signals. These blocks are mountedupon insulating-supports, and have each a spring, (1, making contactwith the teeth of a wheel, (1, on the corresponding contactspindle.There are half as many teeth on each wheel (1 as th ere are adjustmentsfor each contact-spindle, the spring (I resting in the spaces betweenthe teeth for alternate signals, and in contact with the teeth, as shownin Fig. 5, for the other signals, the blocks being in circuit foralternate signals only.

F is a shaft arranged at right angles to the contact-spindles, andextending across the box back of such spindles. This shaft is given aIIO the same extent that it runs down each time.

The movement which the mechanism is permitted to make gives the shaft Fone complete revolution at each operation, as will be well understood.

The speed of the spring mechanism is con trolled by an escapement-bob,0, so that the box will work properly in connection with the receivingapparatus.

Upon the shaft F are secured three contactarms H, arranged at differentpoints of a circle, and carrying each a contact'springf. This spring fis secured to the arm at its end, and is bent forward away from the armand then backward across the end of the arm, its end being bentoutwardly to form a contact-point. An adjusting and guiding screw, f,passes loosely through this spring and enters the end of the arm. Thepoints of the springs f describe circles and touch the spindle-contactsb and blocks E in their movement. This, however, is done progressively,the contacts of one spindle and the corresponding block being passedover before the spring of the next contact-arm reaches the contacts ofits spindle.

The shaft F is journaled in the metallic frame G of the springmechanism, and with this frame is connected the second binding post orscrew, D. The box is connected in circuit with the receiving instrumentby the wires 1 2. As constructed, each contact-spindle, with its blockE, is adapted to produce ten different signals; but of course thisnumber can be varied as desired. By adjusting the contact-spindles anynumber of signals within the capacityot'the box can be produced. Thuswith the box shown one thousand different signals can be produced. Itwill be seen that the circuit will be completed when a contactspringtouches one of the contacts. The circuit is from the post D, by strip 0and springs c c, to wheel 0 and its spindle, through the contact b tothe contact-spring f, touching it, to contact-arm II, shaft F, frame Gand post D.

The box shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is an opencircuit box, and it is adaptedto produce variable signals only.

A closed-circuit'box, and one adapted totransmit a fixed signal, as wellas any one of a number of variable signals, is illustrated in Figs. 7,8, and t), to which reference is now particularly made. This box has allthe elements of the box first described, and is in every respect likethat box, with the exceptions now to be noted. In addition to theadjustable contact-spindles, the box is provided with a' stationarysegment, I, which is connected by wire 0 with the binding-post D, thesame as are the contact-spindles. This stationary segment is providedwith contacts or spaces 1), representing a fixed signal, which may be,for instance, the number or other designation of the box. This segmentis in the path described by the spring of an extra contact-arm. H,secured to the revolving shaft F.

The segment I is adapted to be acted upon before any of thespindle-contacts. To make the box a closedcirouit box, the segment I hasa projection, g, upon which the spring of arm II rests normally or whilethe box is at rest, thus completing the circuit through the box. Anotherdifference over the box first described is the location of the blocks Ebefore instead of after the spindle contacts. This, however, is a matterof choice, the change not affecting the operation of the boxotherwisethan bringing the prolonged closing or opening. of the circuitfor the alternate signals at the beginning instead of at the end of thedivisions of the signals. The spindle-contacts of this box are cut awayon one line, so that the box can be adjusted to send the fixed signalalone or in connect-ion with any one of the variablesignals.

I do not claim herein the broad invention of a'universal transmitter,this being covered by my application No. 29,660; neither do I claimherein the use of a single contact-spindle, or of any of the features ofmy invention in connection with the single contact-spindle, suchfeatures being claimed in my application No. 108,521, excepting,however, the block for producing the prolonged opening or clos ing ofthe circuit; the said block with the adjusting devices for placing it inand outof circuit; the combination of adjustable contacts and spaceswith the fixed contacts and spaces, so arranged that both sets, or thelatter alone, may be brought into action, and the contactspindle cutaway on one line, in connection with the fixed contacts and spaces.

\Vhat I claim isv 1. In electrical signalingapparatus,the combination oftwo or more spindles arranged side by side, each having two or moreseries of contacts and spaces, and adapted to be adjusted axially tobring into position any one of the series of contacts and spaces, and amoving circuit-controlling device acting upon the spindlesprogressively, substantially as set forth.

2. In electrical signaling apparatus, two or more spindles arranged sideby side, each having two or more series of contacts and spaces, andadapted to be adjusted axially to bring into position any one of theseries of contacts and spaces, in combination with two or morecontact-springs acting progressively upon the contact-spindles,substantially as set forth.

3. In electrical signaling apparatus, the combination of two or morespindles arranged side by side, each having two or more series ofcontacts and spaces, and adapted to be ad justed axially to bring intoposition anyone of the series of contacts and spaces, with two or morerevolving contact-springs acting progressively upon thecontact-spindles, substantially as set forth.

-IOO

4. In electrical signaling apparatus, the combination, with two or moreadjustable contact-spindles arranged side by side, of a revolving shaftmaking a complete revolution at each operation of the mechanism, and twoor more contact-springs carried by said shaft and located at differentpoints of a circle, said contact-springs acting upon thespindle-contacts progressively, substantially as set forth.

5. In electrical signaling apparatus, the combination, with two or morecontact-spindles arranged side by side, of two or more charactercylinders connected and moving with the contact-spindles, andcontact-springs acting progressively upon the said spindlecontacts,substantially as set forth.

6. In electrical signaling apparatus, the combination of two or morecontact-spindles, two or more revolving contact-springs turning on anaxis at right angles to the contact-spindles, and two or morecharacter-cylinders, substantially as set forth.

7. In electrical signaling apparatus,the combination, with a spindlecarrying two or more series of contacts and spaces, and adapted'to beadjusted axially to bring any one of the series of contacts and spacesinto the path of a moving contact-spring, of a block for producing aprolonged closing or opening of the circuit, and means for bringing itinto operation for alternate signals, substantially as set forth.

8. In electrical signaling apparatus,the combination, with a spindlecarrying two or more spring projecting from the block for connecting theblock with the spindle for alternate signals, substantially as setforth.

'9. In electrical signalingapparatus,the combination, with the adjustable contact-spindles, of the toothed wheels and the springs, whereby the axial adjustment of said spindles may be independently controlledand determined, substantially as set forth.

10. In electrical signaling apparatus, the combination, with two or moresets of adjustable contacts and spaces for producing variable signals,of a set of fixed contacts and spaces for producing a fixed signal,substantially as set forth.

11. In electrical signaling apparatus, the combination, with adjustablecontacts and spaces, of fixed contacts and spaces, and means wherebyboth the adjustable and fixed contacts and spaces, or the latter alone,can be brought into action, substantially as set forth.

12. In electrical signaling apparatus, the combination, with one or moreadjustable contactspindles having the contacts cut away on one line, ofthe fixed contacts,whereby both sets of contacts, or the fixed contactsalone, can be brought into operation, substantially as set forth.

13. In electrical signaling apparatus, the

